Kat Knecht - Facing Fear & Growing Forward | Ep #37

In this insightful episode of the summer “Back to Basics” series, Kat welcomes Charlie Jett—veteran coach, Harvard MBA, and submarine-force officer turned business strategist. Together, they tackle a persistent myth in the coaching world: that once you’re certified, clients will come calling. Spoiler alert—they won’t.Kat and Charlie break down the practical realities of building a coaching business, focusing on what truly creates success: defining your niche, communicating value, creating connections, and playing the long game. With warmth and candor, they discuss the mindset shift required for coaches to go from struggling to thriving—while staying aligned with their mission to help others.Key Takeaways:Coaching certification doesn’t guarantee clients; marketing and messaging do.Clients don’t buy credentials—they invest in solutions to their problems.A clear, specific niche makes connecting with ideal clients much easier.You must know where to find your ideal clients and how to speak their language.Market your coaching through honest storytelling and real human connection.Free consultations offer potential clients a valuable taste of what coaching can provide.Always ask for referrals, even when a client doesn’t say yes right away.Don’t rely on a single method of marketing—experiment and track what works.Give yourself time to build your business like any other profession.Measure your outreach efforts—what gets measured gets managed.About Charlie Jett—Charlie Jett is a certified professional co-active coach (CPCC), internationally credentialed PCC, and certified Positive Intelligence coach (CPQC). He specializes in career strategy, skill development, Positive Intelligence, and guiding coaches through CTI certification.A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with an MBA from Harvard Business School, Charlie brings deep expertise from his multifaceted career, which spans executive coaching, entrepreneurship, top-level executive search, and military service as a nuclear submarine officer. He is also a best-selling author of three career-focused books and serves in leadership roles with the Harvard Business School Club of Chicago.Charlie's website: https://charliejettcoaching.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliejett/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Kat's free training "Consultations That Inspire and Sell" available here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/resources/Join the free Soul Driven Success Community for Coaches here: https://community.souldrivensuccess.com/Learn more about Soul Driven Success courses and programs -- email [email protected]: https://souldrivensuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-knecht/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulDrivenSuccess Kat's book: Evolve Your Coaching BusinessGet the full show notes and more information here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/podcast/Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!© 2023 - 2025 Kat Knecht / Soul Driven Success

In this episode, Kat kicks off her summer series, “Back to the Basics,” by diving into a foundational principle from her "Evolve Your Coaching Business" course—the 75/25 rule. She shares how this simple mindset shift can help coaches stay empowered, take ownership, and stay out of victim mode when building their businesses. Drawing inspiration from music and personal stories, Kat weaves together coaching insight, business strategy, and soulful encouragement.She also explores how to prepare for opportunities, cultivate meaningful connections, and create a rhythm in your coaching business that is spacious and sustainable. Whether you’re just starting out or recalibrating your efforts, this episode invites you to slow down, reflect, and return to the practices that truly move the needle—on your terms.Key Takeaways:The 75/25 Rule: 75% of your effort fuels your business; the other 25% comes from outside support.Don't rely on the “man from the magazine”—external recognition won't sustain your business alone.Preparation meets opportunity: be ready before the visibility moment arrives.Always be creating your own opportunities rather than waiting for them.Practice personal-touch marketing by reaching out to individuals and organizations.Use a win-win approach—offer value when seeking promotional partnerships.Cultivate long-game relationships that can yield future business.Build a rhythm that includes marketing, delivery, creativity, and rest.Slow, spacious business-building creates deeper, more present connections.Take regular vacations to recharge your personal and professional energy.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Join the free Soul Driven Success Community for Coaches here: https://community.souldrivensuccess.com/Learn more about Soul Driven Success courses and programs -- email [email protected] workshop "Coaching with Confidence" on Monday, July 28. More info in the free Soul Driven Success community for coaches.Website: https://souldrivensuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-knecht/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulDrivenSuccess Kat's book: Evolve Your Coaching BusinessGet the full show notes and more information here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/podcast/Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!© 2023 - 2025 Kat Knecht / Soul Driven Success

In this heartfelt episode, Kat Knecht explores the power and evolution of dreaming—personally and professionally—as a coach. Inspired by a birthday gathering with her Alchemy Circle and a thought-provoking question about living her “wildest dream,” Kat reflects on the dreams that have come true in her life, from building her coaching business to creating a joyful and fulfilling life aligned with her values.Kat invites listeners to reconsider what “wildest dreams” really mean. She shares how some dreams are bold and magical, while others are quieter and deeply personal—often containing challenges that call us to grow. Through stories from her life and coaching practice, she offers inspiration and coaching wisdom to help fellow coaches reconnect with their dreams and consciously create a life and business that reflect their authentic selves.Key Takeaways:Summer is an ideal season for dreaming and reconnecting with your vision.Dreams evolve—what once seemed “wild” may now be your reality.The visioning process has been Kat’s go-to tool for creating a values-aligned life for over 25 years.Building a coaching business is a dream come true for many—offering fulfillment, flexibility, and freedom.Challenges, pain, and growth are natural parts of fulfilling any dream.Redefining dreams to include limitations can lead to deeper satisfaction.Saying "no" is often a critical part of consciously creating what you truly want.Fulfilling dreams requires support—you don't have to (and shouldn’t) go it alone.Your dream business should reflect your authentic self and values—not someone else’s path or pace.Summer dreaming can be short-term and seasonal—ask yourself what dream you want to bring to life right now.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Upcoming offerings:Summer Dreaming Workshop21-Day ChallengeYearlong Program: From Training or Startup to Sustainable SuccessSchedule a complimentary consultation with Kat here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/contact/Join the free Soul Driven Success Community for Coaches here: https://community.souldrivensuccess.com/Learn more about Soul Driven Success courses and programs -- email [email protected]: https://souldrivensuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-knecht/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulDrivenSuccess Kat's book: Evolve Your Coaching BusinessGet the full show notes and more information here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/podcast/Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!© 2023 - 2025 Kat Knecht / Soul Driven Success

In this insightful solo episode, Kat Knecht continues her spring series, “Cleaning Out the Closet of Your Business,” by diving deep into the often-overlooked relationship between time management and energy alignment. Drawing inspiration from the ancient yin and yang philosophy, Kat explores how balancing intuitive, feminine energy with goal-driven, masculine energy can create a more spacious, effective, and soul-aligned approach to managing your coaching business.Through personal stories, coaching strategies, and hands-on exercises, Kat illustrates how honoring your top values and intentionally structuring your time can lead to more joy, flow, and success. Whether you’re deep in marketing mode or struggling to find time for what really matters, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you reimagine your schedule and reclaim your time.Key Takeaways:Why balancing yin (intuitive) and yang (task-driven) energy is essential for coachesThe importance of consistently scheduling marketing tasks (and their prep time)A strategy to analyze past successes and reverse-engineer the steps that workedHow to align your calendar with your highest values and long-term visionThe powerful metaphor of the “rocks and sand” time management exerciseA call to focus on non-urgent but important tasks for real business growthHow to use vision and values to guide scheduling and avoid burnoutWhy honoring joy, family, and legacy can be game-changers in your calendarTips to avoid time sinks and stay aligned with your goals and energyEncouragement to experiment with your values as a time management frameworkResources Mentioned in This EpisodeCourses at the Soul Driven Success Business Academy:Evolve Your Coaching Business Course (includes lesson on the yin and yang of time management)Soul Strategy Vision CourseLearn more about Soul Driven Success Business Academy courses and programs -- email [email protected] the free Soul Driven Success Community for Coaches here: https://community.souldrivensuccess.com/Website: https://souldrivensuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-knecht/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulDrivenSuccess Kat's book: Evolve Your Coaching BusinessGet the full show notes and more information here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/podcast/Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!© 2023 - 2025 Kat Knecht / Soul Driven Success

In this insightful episode, Kat Knecht shares a powerful metaphor that has shaped both her personal and professional growth: cleaning out the closet—specifically, the “business closet.” Kat kicks off a new, more community-centered direction for the podcast by sharing a foundational story from her book "Evolve Your Coaching Business," one that sparked a major turning point in her coaching journey.Listeners are guided through the reflective process of examining what’s working, what’s not, and what treasures may be hiding in plain sight in their coaching business. With warmth, humor, and wisdom, Kat encourages coaches to pause, reflect, and realign with the strategies and activities that truly light them up—and generate results. Whether you're just starting out or working toward sustainable success, this episode offers a soulful structure to spark real change.Key Takeaways“Cleaning out your business closet” is a metaphor for assessing and realigning with what works in your business.The concept originated from Kat’s personal ritual of decluttering and translated into her business strategy.Kat reads a story from her book "Evolve Your Coaching Business" (available free to community members).The act of reflecting on joyful vs. painful activities can uncover buried treasures and business clarity.Kat shares a pivotal story about discovering her love and talent for leading from the front of the room.She explains how that realization led to running her own networking group and becoming a front-of-room leader.The transition from startup to sustainable success is a key focus of her academy and her coaching.Coaches are encouraged to take a full day (or two) to “clean out” their business using reflective questions.Kat emphasizes that this process not only clears the path but often reveals gaps—like missing support roles—that can accelerate growth.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeFree PDF of Kat’s book "Evolve Your Coaching Business." Join the free Soul Driven Success Community for Coaches here: https://community.souldrivensuccess.com/Coaching Business Closet Exercise: Available inside the community or by request via email: [email protected] more about Soul Driven Success courses and programs -- email [email protected]: https://souldrivensuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-knecht/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulDrivenSuccess Kat's book: Evolve Your Coaching BusinessGet the full show notes and more information here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/podcast/Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!© 2023 - 2025 Kat Knecht / Soul Driven Success

In this insightful episode, Kat dives into one of the most underestimated yet powerful tools in your coaching business toolkit: your mindset. Building on her recent annual marketing workshop, Kat shares how tangled thinking is often the biggest barrier coaches face—not a lack of skill or knowledge. She explains how untangling your thoughts can help you get clear on what you want and unlock aligned action, whether you're tackling social media, deciding whether to start a blog or podcast, or trying to “get clients.”Using a real-life story about shopping for sofa tables (yes, really!), Kat illustrates how clarity and focus change everything—from online searches to business strategy. She also walks listeners through a practical, interactive exercise to clear up confusion and get traction in the areas that feel murky or overwhelming.Key TakeawaysWhy mindset is the first thing Kat addresses in her marketing workshops.The concept of “tangled thinking” and how it quietly sabotages your success.A real-world example of how untangling thoughts helped Kat find the perfect furniture—and how it relates to finding aligned action in your business.A step-by-step framework to identify what you want, what you don’t want, and what you already have.Why being vague or scattered in your thinking leads to stuck energy and poor results.How to use your “want/don’t want” list to clarify your strategy—especially in marketing.Kat’s personal approach to answering the #1 question coaches ask: “How do I get clients?”The importance of taking small, bold actions—even if they feel outside your comfort zone.The connection between clear intention and getting support or resources (like using AI or a VA).How to request Kat’s free “Untangle Your Thinking” exercise—and why you’ll want to share it with your clients too.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeFree Resource: “Untangle Your Thinking” exercise — email [email protected] or use the contact form at souldrivensuccess.comBook: The Soul Search by Kat Knecht and Curtis KnechtJoin the free Soul Driven Success Community for Coaches here: https://community.souldrivensuccess.com/Learn more about Soul Driven Success courses and programs -- email [email protected]: https://souldrivensuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-knecht/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulDrivenSuccess Kat's book: Evolve Your Coaching BusinessGet the full show notes and more information here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/podcast/Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!© 2023 - 2025 Kat Knecht / Soul Driven Success

In this insightful episode, Kat is joined by her husband and business partner, Curtis, to unpack one of the foundational concepts in their Soul Driven Success Business Academy: the Four Stages of a Coaching Business. Together, they dive deep into how understanding these stages can create more ease, confidence, and traction in your business journey. Kat reflects on how this framework has not only shaped her own evolution but has also helped many clients find clarity and success by aligning their actions with their current stage.The conversation is rich with personal stories, lessons learned from doing things out of order, and encouraging reminders that growth is a process. Curtis brings his grounded wisdom and relatable humor to highlight the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship—especially in the early stages. Whether you're just getting started or wondering if you're ready to scale, this episode will help you pinpoint where you are and what’s most important right now to grow your coaching business with soul and strategy.Key TakeawaysThe four stages of a coaching business are: Coach-in-Training, Startup, Sustainable Success, and Legacy.Skipping stages often leads to burnout, confusion, or lack of results—and can erode your confidence.The Coach-in-Training stage is all about learning, experimenting, and not putting pressure on yourself to monetize immediately.Startup is the most challenging and essential phase; expect it to take 2–3 years to gain real traction.Avoid fancy branding and software early on; instead, focus on simple, foundational business-building tasks.Financial planning is crucial—having another source of income can take the pressure off and support sustainable growth.Sustainable Success brings in consistent clients and income and opens the door for fun expansions like workshops, group programs, and books.Not every coach needs to pursue the Legacy phase; success can be defined on your own terms.Legacy is about scalable impact, whether through content, structure, or social reach—but only if it’s aligned with your purpose.Investing in mentorship and step-by-step support is key at every stage, especially when you're ready to grow.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeJoin the free Soul Driven Success Community for Coaches here: https://community.souldrivensuccess.com/Free Quiz + eBook: https://souldrivensuccess.com – Take the quiz to identify your current stage and get the free ebookLearn more about Soul Driven Success courses and programs -- email [email protected]: https://souldrivensuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-knecht/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulDrivenSuccess Kat's book: Evolve Your Coaching BusinessGet the full show notes and more information here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/podcast/Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!© 2023 - 2025 Kat Knecht / Soul Driven Success

In this episode, Kat Knecht dives deep into one of her favorite topics: marketing your coaching business. With a blend of wisdom, storytelling, and real talk, Kat explores how coaches can market authentically—balancing the powerful promise of transformation with the reality that real growth takes time and effort.Plus, Kat introduces her free “Activate Your Marketing” workshop and 21-Day Challenge, inviting listeners to focus on one goal this spring to ignite their business growth.Key TakeawaysWhy marketing a coaching business requires a fine balance of hope and honestyThe difference between selling transformation vs. selling quick-fix promisesHow to stay in integrity while being persuasive and effectiveWhy coaching is not a quick fix—and how to communicate that in your messagingThe story of the “ugly pears” and how it illustrates powerful, joy-filled marketingHow to find and share your core message as a coachThe importance of integrating your unique background and niche into your brandWhat makes spring the perfect season to activate your marketingHow taking one small, focused action each day builds real momentumWhy community, support, and consistency are essential to long-term business successResources Mentioned in This EpisodeKat's free "Activate Your Marketing" workshop on April 14, 2025 at 11 am - 12:30 pm PT. Email [email protected] for details or to register.Join the free Soul Driven Success Community for Coaches here: https://community.souldrivensuccess.com/Website: https://souldrivensuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-knecht/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulDrivenSuccess Kat's book: Evolve Your Coaching BusinessGet the full show notes and more information here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/podcast/Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!© 2023 - 2025 Kat Knecht / Soul Driven Success

Success in your coaching business isn’t just about having a vision—it’s about creating processes that make that vision a reality. In this episode, Kat Knecht dives deep into how processes keep your coaching business moving forward. Drawing from personal experiences, including a life-changing lesson from relationship expert Harville Hendrix, Kat explores why it’s not the problem, it’s the process that matters. She shares insights on client enrollment, marketing, financial organization, personal well-being, and planning, offering actionable strategies to stop getting stuck and start building sustainable success.Key TakeawaysShift your focus from problems to processes that keep your business in motion.Trust that a process exists for any challenge—you may just need to discover it.Client enrollment is a process, not a one-time task. Set up steps to attract, engage, and sign new clients.Marketing and social media strategies should be aligned with your personality and built into an ongoing process.Financial organization is key—have systems for tracking income, expenses, and business growth.Your well-being as a coach matters! Create processes for self-care, mindset shifts, and work-life balance.Planning should balance structure and spontaneity—set goals but allow room for creativity.Identify missing steps in your current process and make adjustments instead of giving in to frustration.Resources mentioned in this episode:Join the free Soul Driven Success Community for Coaches here: https://community.souldrivensuccess.com/Learn more about Soul Driven Success courses and programs -- email [email protected]: https://souldrivensuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-knecht/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulDrivenSuccess Kat's book: Evolve Your Coaching BusinessGet the full show notes and more information here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/podcast/Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!© 2023 - 2025 Kat Knecht / Soul Driven Success

Success isn’t just about external achievements; it’s about aligning with your deepest desires and navigating the inevitable challenges that come with growth.Today’s episode is all about fear — why it arises when we go after our dreams, how to recognize when it’s holding us back, and how to shift from fear-based paralysis to empowered action. Kat shares personal stories, insights, and practical strategies to help you break through self-doubt and take the next step toward your goals. Whether you’re launching a coaching business, raising your prices, or stepping into a new opportunity, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the journey with confidence.Key Takeaways:Why fear is a natural part of achieving meaningful goalsThe difference between fear and phenomenon (new territory vs. limiting beliefs)How to recognize when fear is blocking you from progressThe truth behind fear-based thoughts like “I don’t know enough” or “It’s too risky”How small, consistent action can reduce fear and build confidenceThe role of courage and faith in business and personal growthReal-life experiences of overcoming fear—from writing a book to starting a podcastWhy failure is part of the process and how to reframe it as learningA powerful exercise to separate fear from facts and take strategic actionA 7-day challenge to help you step outside your comfort zone and move forwardResources mentioned in this episode:Learn more about Soul Driven Success courses and programs -- email [email protected]: https://souldrivensuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-knecht/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulDrivenSuccess Kat's book: Evolve Your Coaching BusinessGet the full show notes and more information here: https://souldrivensuccess.com/podcast/Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!© 2023 - 2025 Kat Knecht / Soul Driven Success